Platt plays down speculation linking Balotelli with AC Milan move

The Manchester City assistant manager has insisted that he is unaware of any negotiations with the Serie A side regarding the striker, while adding that any signings are unlikely.

Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has played down speculation linking Mario Balotelli with a move away from the club, despite reports claiming a deal with AC Milan has been struck.

Platt has quashed talk of a move, though, insisting that he was not aware of negotiations between Milan and City.

"I saw that speculation yesterday but I've not heard anything,” Platt told reporters. "As far as we are concerned I think he is still a Manchester City player. I don't think there is anything is going to happen."

"I'm not [aware of any negotiations]. I can only go off what you know and I have seen. I know exactly the same as you, which is speculation.

"Fortunately we'll have a press conference on Friday and we won't have to talk about speculation - and that is what it is. I literally don't know anything."

Platt also reiterated that the club is unlikely to add any signing prior to the close of the January transfer window, citing a lack of quality in the transfer market that could improve the squad.

"We have said before the market in January is very difficult. Even if you are planning to get somebody in it is very difficult to do so," Platt said. "With it being such a difficult market, you can't start stepping into it willy-nilly.

"We are at Manchester City - a top club that competes for top trophies. As a result of that you can't just go out and get anybody and think they are going to fill the gap that somebody leaves."